Building Bridges with the Nobel Biocare Esthetic Alliance Program (EAP) - interview with Dr Ian Lane

The Esthetic Alliance Program (EAP) from Nobel Biocare is a unique initiative designed to help GDPs realise the many restorative opportunities associated with dental implants.. The programme, based on a tried and tested formula that has been designed and delivered in the United States is now being rolled out successfully around the world,

EAP brings a small group of dentists together in a positive and focussed learning environment with the aim of improving understanding among clinicians in order to maximise the business potential that dental implant treatments have to offer, while at the same time building and strengthening the referral network for all those involved.

Dr Ian Lane is one of two managing partners at Queensway Dental Clinic, Billingham, Teesside, and has recently hosted four sessions covering the first module of the Nobel Biocare EAP.

“The EAP is primarily about taking dentists with little or no experience with dental implants and giving them the skills and confidence to assess, treatment plan and discuss implant cases with patients,” says Ian. “The idea is to promote good safe practice for practitioners with limited experience in the field. It’s not a surgical programme, but it allows dentists to take greater care of patients that may have already had implant treatment, or to be able to make referrals so that they can then place the crown, bridge or denture onto the implant when the case comes back.”

As part of the structured course material, Nobel Biocare provides all the relevant information packs, folders; handouts and worksheets to lay the groundwork for further group discussion. Delegates are also encouraged to bring their own cases along for group discussion and treatment planning in order to assess the best course of action.

“The course consists of four modules in total,” continues Ian, “each consisting of four sessions lasting for three hours each. We’ve just completed the first module, and the reception we had was really very good. Six dentists came in total, which means our sessions can be very focussed and personalised to the dentists who attend. They were all people I’ve had conversations with in the past that I’ve discussed implant cases with. The EAP sessions allowed me to formalise that relationship, and gave them the opportunity to see some of just what can be achieved with the latest dental implant technology. This includes treatment planning using 3D scanners, and of course 3D CAD/CAM provided by our Queensway Laboratory, that allows us to order custom-made restorations directly from Nobel Biocare.

“If I were to summarise the EAP I would describe it as an excellent introduction to implant dentistry, supported by Nobel Biocare and delivered in a great location that is convenient for everyone who attends. Delegates will receive 12 hours of CPD from the four three-hour sessions that comprise each module, and the course is completely free to attend.

“From my own perspective the EAP is just great because it allows me to build relationships with local dentists while also showcasing some of the wonderful things we are now able to achieve. Our plan is now to host the second module in September, and then run a course every six months or so. It’s been really successful so far and I think the delegates who came were able to take aware some really useful lessons to help grow their businesses. I am now really looking forward to hosting the next module later in the year!”

For more information contact Nobel Biocare on 0208 756 3300 or visit www.nobelbiocare.com